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Tanglefoot, despite all appearances in this picture, is actually the larger of the two Beer Cats. Easily distinguished by her stump paw (which, naturally enough, isn't visible here), she has also been known to wield a PowerBook™ |
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Ruddles, a pedigree Russian Blue, is no longer with us. However, she still lives on in the fanzine title, and in the stipple effect she made on the walls when she sneezed (the result of a 5-storey fall onto a neighbour's backside)9 |
Beer Cats 44 (currently only available as a PDF)
Future features will include better converted graphics (you really don't want a discourse on the difference between printed and screen images, do you? You do? Don't be so sad!), and more back issues. And the latest issue, when I find the time to write it! This could be soon, so watch this space, or send a note to get me to hurry up a bit
Just the FAQs, ma'am
I'm confused. What is this "Beer Cats' ?3
To be brief: Beer Cat Scratchings, or Beer Cats, as it is sometimes known, is a perzine4, which I used to write monthly for the 'Ton, but now is a bit more infrequent.
I knew I should have kept my mouth shut. What's a 'perzine' when it's at home. What's the 'Ton?
A perzine is a personal fanzine. In other words, I get to write about anything I feel like at the time, although I generally stick to things that are vaguely related to Science Fiction (in all its forms). The 'Ton is the name given to the informal get together of all those interested in Science Fiction in the London area. It always takes place on the first thursday of every month.
Hmm. Every answer gives rise to more questions. Why is it called the 'Ton? Where is it?
In the early days, there may have been a formal London SF group. Since then, it is a loose association of people with a common interest. This means that, unlike many other clubs or societies, it doesn't cost anything7, and there is also no committee to get in your way. However, even a loose group needs a place to meet, so a pub called the One Tun was chosen. Or it may have been The Three Tuns. For various reasons, this venue wasn't suitable, so, for a long time, The Duke of Wellington , near Waterloo station, was the meeting place. It was still the place when it became the Wellington Tavern., and the 'Ton (or "Welly") had become established as the name. Now, however, it still has the same name, but has recently moved down the road a bit to the Jubilee. Don't ask me why. No, really, it isn't worth it. Oh, all right, then, ask
I don't live in London. Are there any other groups? Where are they?
I don't live in London either, any more. Yes, there are other groups, in places such as Glasgow, Portsmouth, Leeds, Birmingham and Cambridge. Before you go off to Massachusetts or similar, these places are all in Britain. You want directions? You joking?
I've had a quick look, and noticed that it's full of footnotes. What does the '...' symbol mean?
Well, in purely grammatical terms, it is ellipsis(the bit when you try to mean that there was more, but you left it out). It's not important, though, as it allows you to flip deftly back to the main text, after branching out into one of the many footnotes8. Neat, huh?
